The perfect game for us

30 September 2016

rovers.co.uk

Development squad boss Damien Johnson says his side are all looking forward to this afternoon's opening Premier League Cup group match against Burnley.

Along with today's opponents, Rovers will play Sunderland and Cardiff City home and away in the revamped competition. The top two teams from each of the eight groups will progress through to the last 16 of the competition, which are then one-off knockout ties.

Johnson is pleased to have the additional matches this season, and as they prepare to play the second of three games in eight days, believes it is the sort of schedule that the players will have to get used to if they want to realise their dreams of being first team footballers.

"It is a proper game, it is at Ewood Park, it is perfect for us, the more games the better," said Johnson

"The fact that it is at Ewood is terrific. It is a great stage and that is where the lads ultimately want to be playing, so the more they can experience that with us the better.

"It generates a bit more interest because it is Burnley but it is just ultimately about us putting together a good performance."

The former Rovers midfielder hopes that his side's recent big match experience in the Checkatrade Trophy against Fleetwood Town will also stand them in good stead for today's match at Ewood Park.

"Against Fleetwood we put in a great performance but we didn't get the result," he added. "Since then we probably haven't played as well yet we got the results. So we are always constantly trying to find the right balance between the performance and the result.

"This is another opportunity for us and for the lads to show that they are getting closer and they are pushing. Ultimately that is what it is about for us.

"The fact that our season ticket holders can come and get in for free is great so the more that can come down and see the game the better.

"We just hope that we put on a decent performance for them and hopefully the result will take care of itself."

Season ticket holders can see this afternoon's match for free on production of their season ticket card. Those supporters who have pre-ordered their tickets can collect from the Roverstore from 12-noon onwards.

Please note that there will be NO sales on the day of the game.

Kick-off at Ewood Park is at 2pm, the Jack Walker lower tier will be open. Blues Bar will be open from 12-noon serving hot food and drinks.